During the January meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE), the 2026 West Virginia Teacher of the Year (TOY) Tiffany Barnes will receive a new Toyota RAV4 for use throughout her year of service.
Toyota West Virginia President David Rosier will join State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt, WVBE President L. Paul Hardesty and WVBE members for the presentation.
Barnes is a special education teacher at Wheeling Middle School in Ohio County. She holds a professional teaching certification endorsed in Multi-categorical Special Education (Pre-K–Adult), Autism and Reading Specialist. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies from American Military University and a Master of Education in Reading from West Liberty University. As a two-time Iraq War veteran with the U.S. Army Military Police, she brings discipline, leadership and compassion to both her classroom and community. Barnes is the founder and coach of the Girls on the Run Heart and Sole team at Wheeling Middle School and initiated the Wreaths Across America program at two local cemeteries. She has established the school’s annual Autism Acceptance 5K race to support special education classrooms throughout the county.
“I am beyond honored to be named the 2026 West Virginia Teacher of the Year. It is truly humbling to be considered among educators of this caliber,” said Barnes. “I’m excited to carry the torch from those who came before me and shine a positive light on the profession that means so much to me. Teaching is most rewarding when I see a student have their breakthrough moment, and I look forward to highlighting those moments and more throughout this year.”
Established in 1964, West Virginia’s TOY program is one of the longest-running and most consistent programs of its kind in the nation. Since then, the WVDE has recognized 62 exemplary educators for their teaching excellence, effective pedagogy, inspirational leadership and dedication to student success.
The WVBE will begin the meeting in the board room, and will recognize Barnes and School Service Personnel of the Year Brandon Kelley before going outside for the car presentation. The meeting will resume immediately following this brief pause.
Learn more about the TOY program by visiting the WVDE website.
